Opposition leader says Zambia election unlikely to be 'free and fair'

Zambia's opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, has stated that the upcoming general election is unlikely to be free and fair, as the government has imposed restrictions on his party's campaign activities. The mineral-rich southern African nation is set to hold the polls on Thursday, with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema expected to secure a second term.

Mundubile, who served as a minister under the PF party before leading the opposition alliance, has criticized the government for denying permits to his campaign and restricting his activities. He also alleged that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has not intervened to stop violence from the ruling party's supporters. Despite the opposition leader's concerns, analysts note that Zambia has been an African economic success story, with the Hichilema administration having stabilized the economy and returned it to growth after a sovereign default.

However, critics argue that the benefits of these gains have not trickled down to the majority of Zambians, with high unemployment and poverty levels persisting.